Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
We are aware, that many are strongly prepossessed against the Reformation cause, on account of the doctrine of the Reformers, respecting the Magistrate’s authority relative to religious matters, and its application in carrying on that work; as if both that doctrine, and its application to practical purposes, were inconsistent with the freedom, spirituality, and independence of the kingdom of Christ. Our limits will not admit of our entering at large upon the subject, but it must not be entirely overlooked, since intimately connected with the defence, both of the Westminster Confession, and the conduct of our Reformers.
In entering upon the question, we would call the attention of our readers to the following preliminary remarks. First, When the compilers of the Westminster Confession speak of the authority of the Magistrate about the Church, he is not to be understood in his individual capacity, but as at the head of the administration of the nation over which he presides. The power pleaded for, is the power of the nation, as exercised by the Magistrate. Nor does the expression, “the Magistrate,” in the Confession, and the writings of divines on this subject, mean exclusively the person at the head of the executive government, such as the king, but it is a general name for all possessing civil authority, in their respective places, legislative or executive. ...
For more, see:
reformedcovenanter.wordpress.com
In entering upon the question, we would call the attention of our readers to the following preliminary remarks. First, When the compilers of the Westminster Confession speak of the authority of the Magistrate about the Church, he is not to be understood in his individual capacity, but as at the head of the administration of the nation over which he presides. The power pleaded for, is the power of the nation, as exercised by the Magistrate. Nor does the expression, “the Magistrate,” in the Confession, and the writings of divines on this subject, mean exclusively the person at the head of the executive government, such as the king, but it is a general name for all possessing civil authority, in their respective places, legislative or executive. ...
For more, see:
George Stevenson on the Westminster Confession and the civil magistrate’s power concerning religion
We are aware, that many are strongly prepossessed against the Reformation cause, on account of the doctrine of the Reformers, respecting the Magistrate’s authority relative to religious matte…
reformedcovenanter.wordpress.com
